Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2021

The Board has granted a separate rating of 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's condition is primarily manifested by mild intermittent pain, moderate paresthesias and/or dysesthesias and moderate numbness. The issue of service connection for polyneuropathy of the bilateral feet was referred to the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for median nerve neuropathy and lung condition due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is being remanded due to insufficient evidence and a need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations and opinions to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including depressive disorder, chronic edema, left leg neuropathy, and numbness, tingling, and pain in the toes of the left foot. The issues are related to secondary service connection.

The Veteran's neuropathy-like neurological symptoms of the left and right lower extremities are service-connected.,Service connection is also granted for headaches, diagnosed as migraine headaches.

The Veteran's lumbosacral sprain and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied increased ratings. The lumbosacral sprain was not rated higher than 20 percent, while the right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathies each received a 20 percent rating effective January 10, 2019.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left lower extremity and right lower extremity neuropathy, finding no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for denervation of left C8/T1 myotomes with cervical radiculopathy, granted service connection for left wrist median neuropathy and left elbow ulnar neuropathy, but denied an initial compensable rating for residuals of left fifth digit fracture.

The Board has granted service connection for tendinosis and arthritis of the right ankle, finding that it is related to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability. Service connection was denied for neuropathy of the left leg.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was rated at 20 percent and his coronary artery disease was rated at 10 percent. The Board denied both claims for higher ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected left maxillary nerve neuropathy and bone loss of the skull have been granted initial ratings of 10 percent each, effective June 10, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for LUE and RUE peripheral neuropathy, heart condition, and subfascial lipoma are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.,Further clarification is needed regarding the characteristics and etiology of the Veteran's skin condition, which may be related to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic fatigue as a result of the Veteran's service-connected bladder and prostate cancers, Type II diabetes mellitus, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, which renders the DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 moot and thus dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral lower and upper extremity neurological disabilities and fibromyalgia due to potential exposure to toxic chemicals during service, but finds no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy in both lower and upper extremities did not manifest during service or within one year thereafter, and is not related to his active service, including his conceded herbicide exposure.

Service connection for bladder cancer is granted, and effective dates are assigned for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy with hypertension. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and bilateral leg disability other than peripheral neuropathy, finding no current disabilities in these areas.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The case will be returned to obtain additional opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions, including consideration of in-service stressors and exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to new VA medical records being associated with his case.